CSO urges states to strengthen security coordination ahead of 2026 Hajj airlift

A civil society organisation, Independent Hajj Reporters, has called on state governments to reinforce and synchronise security arrangements for intending pilgrims ahead of the 2026 Hajj airlift, citing growing concerns over the safety of travellers during pre-departure activities.

The group made the appeal in a statement issued on Monday and signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, as preparations for the annual pilgrimage begin across the country.

According to the organisation, the commencement of pre-airlift processes, including registration, orientation, and movement to transit camps, requires heightened vigilance and proactive security measures to prevent potential threats.

It stressed the importance of closely monitoring the movement of pilgrims from their homes to orientation centres, transit camps, and eventual embarkation points, noting that many intending pilgrims often travel across state lines to join designated departure locations.

The group urged state authorities to work closely with relevant security agencies to establish coordinated protection teams that would safeguard pilgrims throughout the pre-Hajj period.

It said such collaboration would help ensure seamless security coverage and reduce vulnerabilities often associated with large-scale movements.

In addition, the organisation advised state Muslim pilgrims’ welfare boards to intensify sensitisation campaigns, equipping pilgrims with basic security awareness.

This, it said, should include guidance on identifying potential threats, adhering to travel protocols, and complying with regulations issued by Saudi authorities, particularly those concerning the spread of unverified security information.

The group cited incidents during the 2025 Hajj, where suspected bandits were reportedly arrested at pilgrimage camps, as a reminder of the need for stricter screening and surveillance measures to prevent security breaches.

It also cautioned intending pilgrims against travelling in large groups accompanied by non-travelling family members, warning that such gatherings could increase exposure to security risks and complicate crowd control efforts.

The call comes as Nigerian authorities intensify preparations for the 2026 Hajj, with stakeholders expected to finalise logistics, safety protocols, and airlift arrangements in the coming weeks.